County: Dublin

Decades Active: 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s

About Picturehouse

Picturehouse is a Dublin based rock band known for their enduring presence in the music scene. The band formed in the early 1990s and initially signed to London Records in 1994. After a challenging period that saw them part ways with the label, the band returned to Dublin and chose to self-release their debut album, Shine Box, in 1996. The album included the singles "Somebody Somewhere," "The World and His Dog," and the popular track "Heavenly Day."

In the wake of the album's release, Picturehouse began building a following, and their growing reputation led to opportunities to tour with The Saw Doctors in the UK, followed by opening slots for Bon Jovi in Dublin and Runrig across Europe. Their success in Europe was bolstered when KOCH Records licensed Shine Box for release in the continent, leading to a significant tour in Scandinavia and a subsequent 9-month trek across Europe in their 20-year-old van, “Flash.”

The band's second album, Karmarama, was released in 1998 by East-West in Ireland. The single "Sunburst" received heavy airplay on Irish radio, and the band went on to play numerous sold-out shows, including at Dublin's legendary Olympia Theatre and the Point Depot. In recognition of his songwriting, lead vocalist Dave Browne received the Phil Lynott Songwriting Award in 1999.

During this time, Picturehouse toured with Mel C, Texas, Meat Loaf, and The Corrs. After their tour with The Corrs, the band's drummer, Jason, joined Picturehouse. By the end of 1999, the band had played to over a million people and gained a loyal fan base, including Elton John, who purchased 50 copies of Karmarama for family and friends.

In 2000, Picturehouse released Bring The House Down, a live album that was also self-released. They followed this with Madness Sadness Gladness in 2001, recorded in Sweden with producer Adam Kviman. The album featured the hit single "Everybody Loves My Girl," which became a popular track in 2002.

In 2014, after a decade of evolving their sound, Picturehouse released Evolution, which included several successful singles that received significant airplay, including on BBC Radio 2. The album was later released on Cherry Red Records.

In 2017, Picturehouse marked their 21st anniversary with a special show at Dublin's National Concert Hall, featuring a 60-piece choir. A compilation album, How Can I Explain How This Came To Be?, was released on vinyl by Plane Groovy to commemorate the occasion. The band also received tributes from various public figures, including President Michael D. Higgins and Bono.

Video

Picturehouse - Sunburst